The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-01-17
ZEN. HARRISON AND THE STRIKE OF 1877

10 oIISeC the just Inauguration VI LIS iAulSnt 10
# Labor and workingmen generally at the
aomination by the Democratic caucas of
David Turpie the reputed author of the
intimidation laws" the Sentinel of Saturday
makes brutal and uutruthful attack upon
Senator Harrison for his connection with the
great railroad strike of 1877, saying. among
other things, that
ssHis voice was for shooting down the
strikers. He went so far as to become the
captain of company. The company was
raised without warrant of law, and before the
strikers had refused to obey any court man
date. When Senator Harrison was not arm
ing and drilling his company he was making
infammatory appeals to destroy the strikers
by bayonet and ball"
Every one will remember the great railroad
strike Of 1877, and the awful destruction OF
lives and property that occurred at Pittsburg.
The strike reached Indianapolis about the I'D
of July of that year. On the Oath the Mayor
Of the city, Hon. John Caven issued procla-
nation or call to the citizens of the city, in
which he said
'.You are requested to meet en- masse in
front of the new courthouse, on Washington
street, this evening at 7:30, to consult as to
measures for the public safety. Let your
Plumbers be so large and the addresses of such
character that it will be demonstrated that the
people of this city are largely on the side Of
Jaw and order Measures for organization for
the protection Of life and property will also
be adopted"
No one will question the good faith and the
friendIiness toward workingmen of Mr..
Caven. AS result of the meeting held, a
committee of one hundred was formed, made
up of persons from each ward in the city
The committee was formed Of "the most pru-
dent men that could be selected to confer
with the committee Of the strikers in a
friendly spirit, and ascertain just what their
demands are and what they propose to do;
Also to consult with officials of the various
roads and see what their determination Isl
zsznd it was specially stated "that the chief OBJ
ject of the committee was to see If some con-
cessions could not be made on both sides, and
to counsel with The men with view of end
ing the trouble by peaceable means, if posi-
ble = The committee was composed of Frank
lin Landers, DR.. Jameson, DIR. W. c. Thomp-
son, Governor Williams, Col. B. C. Shaw,
Gen. Benz Harrison, j. r. Elder, Gen. T. A.
Morris and others.
In the first meeting of this committee with
committee of the strikers the latter were
represented by Mr. Sayre, grand secretary of
the Brotherhood Of Locomotive Engineers,
and, in the course Of his remarks, the ac-
CONT of the meeting says: "When questioned
by Captain Wiles, he (Sayre) seemed to think
somewhat favorably of proposition for tine
men to return to work at present prices, on
the assurance of the citizens that they would
make active efforts, and use all pos
bible influence with the railroad com
panies to have their wages raised"
In this meeting General Harrison made :
speech, in which che counseled obedience e
law, but at the same time very strongly ex
pressed the opinion that the wages stated
we're too low, and desired very much tina
they should be raised. He was willing to u.s.
his influence with those in authority in favo
u this desired increase"
On the 26th of July, the strike still bein.
on, further meeting Of the committee will
committee of the strikers was held, a
which General Harrison made another speech
eounseling the railroad employees to obedience
Of law, and advised the strikers to return t
work at the present rates, and pledged tn
.itizens' committee to use all the influence
possessed to secure an increase in the pa
rom the companies. He would d
his utmost in their behalf if they would ODE,
he laws
These reports of General Harrison 5 remark
10 not bear out the brutal charge of the Sen
incl. On the contrary Mr.. Sayre himself ex
pressed himself favorably to the proposition 70
The strikers to return to work, the citizens com
nittee to use their influence to have the rat
of wages raised. which was the proposition
urged and reiterated by General Harrison.
Now, as to the militia On the Goth O
July Governor Williams Democrat, issue
call, which, after reciting the situation
seais.
40 the end that the existing com
oination be dissolved and destroyed in it
awless form, / invoke the aid Of all law
abiding citizens of our State ask that the
denounce and condemn and er
aeavor TO dissuade the offenders against tn
peace aud dignity < our State from turtle
.cts Of lawlessness.s
After the issuance Of this call Governo
williams, Democrat, decided to appoint